GEORGE TOWN: A PKR assemblywoman broke down in tears at the state assembly sitting here after claiming that the Penang state government has failed to respond to her queries.
Dr Norlela Ariffin (Penanti), who was sobbing uncontrollably, was consoled by Lydia Ong Kok Fooi (DAP-Berapit), who was seated next to her.
She had interjected State Tourism Development Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang (DAP-Batu Lanchang), who was delivering his winding-up speech, to ask about the infrastructure for homestay projects in her constituency, when she became emotional.
“I am so sad ... DAP is supposed to be a social democratic party that listens.
“I spoke for one hour, and only Padang Kota (assemblyman Chow Kon Yeow) listened to me,” said Dr Norlela.
She lamented that she had been waiting for the winding-up speeches for replies to the issues she had raised regarding the woes that include infrastructure for homestay programmes, lack of infrastructure like roads, frequent flooding, illegal factories, as well as the lack of proper jetties for fishermen.
“I have been requesting for funds from the state to carry out projects to resolve the issues faced by my constituents but until now, there’s no allocation.
“I’m not getting any answers to these issues affecting the people in my constituency.
“There are 28 kampungs in Penanti and they all need assistance. I have been raising the matter for the last two years,” said Dr Norlela and she broke down, crying.
At this juncture, state exco member Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim (PKR-Batu Maung) said that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng addressed the matter in the 2016 state Budget.
“Permatang Pauh was addressed in the state Budget,” he said.
Law later continued with his speech.
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